Quinte Conservation has issued a Level 3 Low Water Condition for the local watershed including all of Prince Edward County as well as the regions of the Moira, Napanee, and Salmon Rivers.
Quinte Conservation previously declared a Level 1 Low Water Condition for the local watershed. A Level 3 is now in effect due to a lack of rainfall and low flows in rivers and streams. A Level 3 is the most severe low water level.
The County of Prince Edward is encouraging residents who get their water from groundwater systems and inland lakes to reduce non-essential use by 30 per cent.
Residents who draw their water from a well as well as users in the Ameliasburgh and Peat’s Point drinking water systems are reminded to take extra precautions with their non-essential use until groundwater levels have recharged.
Some of the best ways to reduce water use are:
- Refrain from non-essential water use such as car washing and grass watering
- Take shorter showers and turn off the shower while lathering up. On average, bathing is the highest water use inside the home, making up 35 per cent of household water use
- Repair broken and leaky fixtures
- Retrofit plumbing with more efficient fixtures
A Level 3 Low Water Condition indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand. Restrictions on water use may be imposed by municipalities or under the provincial Water Resources Act. Low water conditions are ranked as Level 1, 2 or 3 based on a prolonged period of low flows or precipitation. Level 1 is the least severe and Level 3 is the most severe.
Those in need of bulk potable water supply can fill up in Picton, Wellington, or Carrying Place. Click here to learn more.
Quinte Conservation encourages residents experiencing low water to report their conditions using a confidential online form. The form can be found at: https://onlineforms.quinteconservation.ca/Report-a-Low-Water-Concern or on the main page of the Quinte Conservation website.
For more information, contact the County of Prince Edward at 613.476.2148 ext. 1023, 613.962.9108 ext. 1023, or info@pecounty.on.ca.